How does a just God subject mortals to eternal torture? Our perception of justice and torture is that they are two conflicting ideas. Yet surprisingly, the majority of the Christians today accept the doctrine of eternal torment and it is embodied in their creeds. Such a doctrine is repugnant even to our own sense of justice, that for the sins of a brief earthly life, sinners are to suffer torture as long as God shall live. Where in the scriptures is such a teaching to be found?
Contrary to popular theology, the Bible teaches that God does not delight in the death of the wicked.
As I live saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die? KJV — Ezekiel 33:11
But despite the fact that God wants everyone to live, it is conditional. Only upon obedience. Thus “the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. While life is the portion of the obedient, death is the portion of the wicked. Death is the result of sin. By the provision of the plan of salvation, all are to be brought up from their graves, the righteous to everlasting life, the wicked have to pass through the second death. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:6).
The burning of the wicked takes place, till they turn to ashes. Says the prophet Malachi, “for behold the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1. They suffer punishment varying in duration and intensity as it is written, “According to their deeds, accordingly will he repay” Isaiah 59:18 “whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:15. Satan who is the root and his followers the branch all have their final end in the second death - permanent end of all life. Says the psalmist;
Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou has put out their name for ever and ever. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: KJV — Psalm 9:5, 6
“They shall be as though they had not been.” Obadiah 16. Thus will be made an end of sin, with all the woe and ruin which have resulted from it.
In view of the plain lesson above, let us briefly examine Revelaton 14:11. Speaking of the class which receives the mark of the beast it says, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night.” (Emphasis supplied)
It is important to note that it is the smoke not the burning of fire that is said to ascend up forever and ever. Comparing scripture with scripture we get a clear meaning of this text. But before that, what is the relationship between smoke and fire? Reasoning from cause to effect, it is crystal clear that smoke is an effect or result of fire.
Speaking of Sodom and Gomorrha, Jude says, “They are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 7. Peter adds more weight by saying, “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample, unto those that after should live ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:6.
We all know and have seen from the Bible that Sodom and Gomorrha is no longer burning, thus the eternal fire refers to the fire in EFFECT, not in duration. The doctrine of eternal torment is a false teaching without scriptural support, it is among the errors found in the wine of Babylon. Revelation 14:8. We would do well to turn from the error and accept truth, for God can never be pleased with error. “The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” John 4:23.
Lest I Forget